Politically-approved scientific messages?!

[c9]

I agree with Jeff -- this is NOT cool.

Environment Canada has "muzzled" its scientists, ordering them to refer all media queries to Ottawa where communications officers will help them respond with "approved lines."
...
The reality, insiders say, is the policy is blocking communication and infuriating scientists. Researchers have been told to refer all media queries to Ottawa. The media office then asks reporters to submit their questions in writing. Sources say researchers are then asked to respond in writing to the media office, which then sends the answers to senior management for approval. If a researcher is eventually cleared to do an interview, he or she is instructed to stick to the "approved lines."

Climatologist Andrew Weaver, of the University of Victoria, works closely with several Environment Canada scientists. He says the policy points to the Conservative government's fixation on "micro-management" and message control.

"They've been muzzled," says Weaver of the federal researchers. "The concept of free speech is non-existent at Environment Canada. They are manufacturing the message of science."

"They can't even now comment on why a storm hit the area without going through head office," says Weaver, who's been fielding calls from frustrated media who can no longer get through to federal experts, scientists who once spoke freely about their fields of work, be it atmospheric winds affecting airliners or disease outbreaks at bird colonies.

Tell Prime Minister Stephen Harper and Environment Minister John Baird how you feel about this. Remember, letters to MPs are free, no stamp required! You can also call or email, though I've heard conflicting reports on how "valued" electronic communication is versus real paper.

Comments

[joecdn.livejournal.com]

I'd write, but I feel I'd get an approved response back in the mail, if they respond at all.

I've heard from a few Liberal party insiders that an election is looming though...that the opposition parties are going to bring down the government.

We'll see if Jack Layton fucks it up though - he spent so much time going after the Liberal vote in the last election, he completely detracted from the fact that a Conservative government would be the worst option for this country. That, and he seems a little too desperate for votes. I liked the NDP better when Alexa was in charge.

[c9.livejournal.com]

Government will never respond personally, but when many people write they do take note. And this is a bureaucracy policy change, so it will outlive government changes. We might get lucky and get gradual loosening under other governments in future, but just like in the US these decisions and powers tend to stay changed. Just like Harper complained about Chretien's concentration of power in the PMO, and then kept it all once he came to power. Not surprising, but annoying. :)

I disagree with many of Jack Layton's policy choices, but I do not disagree with most of his election approaches. Canada was in danger of going completely 2-party (outside Quebec) under Alexa McDonough. She's incredibly nice in person (we lived in her riding, now we live in Jack Layton's!) but she was not getting any traction in media or the public for her (very good) ideas and proposals.

As you say, there's an election on the way. Interestingly, I don't think Stephane Dion will do as well as he thinks he will -- he maintains that the Canadian public will connect with him better on the campaign trail, but I'm betting against it. I think in November we'll see another minority for Harper and a President McCain. *sigh*

[primary-suspect.livejournal.com]

I have had very good results with e-mail to my MP. He has always responded fairly promptly and I have even been able to get good responses personalized to me from both the minister and deputy ministers of Transport Canada on an issue I had. I think now e-mail is seen as just as legit as long as you aren't sending them a form letter.